Resilient Ball Containing Looped Segments

ABSTRACT

A toy body includes a plurality of curved loop segments. Each curved loop segment can have a curved end and an opposite end. The curved end of each loop segment can meet at the first end of the toy body, and the opposite end of each loop can meet at the second end of the toy body. In some cases, at least two curved ends are coupled together at the first end, and at least two opposite ends are coupled together at the second end. The plurality of curved loop segments forms a continuous loop. A method of making a toy includes shaping a continuous loop to present a first set of bent segments and a second set of bent segments. The first set of bent segments are disposed toward a first toy end, and the second set of bent segments are disposed toward a second toy end.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/829,113, filed on Oct. 11, 2006 and entitled “Resilient BallContaining Looped Segments,” the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. This application is also related toU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,509,929, 5,110,315, and 6,086,445, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/744,962, filed Dec. 23, 2003, Ser. No.11/015,387, filed Dec. 16, 2004, and Ser. No. 11/152,020, filed Jun. 13,2005, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of toys, and in particularto devices and methods that involve sets of curved or angular segments.Embodiments of the present invention provide toys or objects for use asballs, therapeutic instruments, baby toys, pet toys, beach or poolrafts, and the like.

The use of curved pieces in various geometric configurations hasprovided the basis for a variety of toys and other useful objects, forexample as described in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos.4,509,929, 5,110,315, and 6,086,445.

Although such toys and objects have been generally commerciallysuccessful, it would be desirable to provide certain improvements anddiversifying features. For these and other reasons, there continues tobe a need for improved toy systems and other useful and decorativestructures having one or more sets of curved or angular segments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the instant invention addresses these and otherunfulfilled needs by providing systems, devices, and methods for toysthat include sets of bent segments that provide appealing stimulation tothe visual and tactile senses. Such toys or structures can be made in aninfinite number of graceful, decorative configurations. Moreover, theseobjects can function as bounceable, rollable, throwable, inflatable, orfloatable balls, as diversion tranquilizers for occupying a user's handsand attention, and as toys for general amusement and artisticinspiration.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a toy bodyhaving a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior. The toy bodycan include a plurality of curved loop segments. Each curved loopsegment can have a curved end and an opposite end. The curved end ofeach loop segment can meet at the first end of the toy body, and theopposite end of each loop can meet at the second end of the toy body. Insome cases, at least two curved ends are coupled together at the firstend. In some cases, at least two opposite ends are coupled together atthe second end. The plurality of curved loop segments may form acontinuous loop.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a toyhaving a first set of bent segments and a second set of bent segments.The first set of bent segments can be disposed toward a first end of thetoy, and the second set of bent segments can be disposed toward a secondend of the toy. Each of the first set segments can be disposed betweentwo second set segments, and each of the second set segments can bedisposed between two first set segments. In some cases, the first set ofbent segments in combination with the second set of bent segments form acontinuous loop. In some cases, the continuous loop includes aninflatable lumen. The toy can define any desired shape, such as asphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, anellipsoid, or a toroid. The toy may define an interior space disposedbetween the first and the second end. In some cases, the toy includes anobject at least partially disposed within the interior space. In someembodiments, at least one of the first set or second set segmentsincludes a tubular segment having a circular cross-section. The toy mayalso include a first link disposed toward the first end, where the firstlink is coupled with at least two of the first set segments. In somecases, the first link includes a ring, a sphere, a cone, a sprocket, aweb, or a bar. The toy may also include an equatorial segment continuouswith and disposed between one of the first set bent segment and one ofthe second set bent segments. In some cases, at least one of the firstset of bent segments includes a curved segment. In some cases, at leastone of the first set of bent segments comprises an angular segment. Thetoy may be elastic. The toy may provide a stress relief device havingsections of varying hardness. In some cases, the toy provides a stressrelief device, a performance ball, a pet toy, or a baby toy.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a methodof making a toy. The method includes coupling a first set of bentsegments with a second set of bent segments. The first set of bentsegments can be disposed toward a first end of the toy, and the secondset of bent segments can be disposed toward a second end of the toy.Each of the first set segments can be disposed between two second setsegments, and each of the second set segments can be disposed betweentwo first set segments. In some cases, the first set of bent segments incombination with the second set of bent segments forms a continuousloop. The toy may define any desired shape, such as, for example, asphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, anellipsoid, or a toroid. The toy may define an interior space disposedbetween the first and the second end. In some cases, the toy may includea first link disposed toward the first end. The first link can becoupled with at least two of the first set segments. In a relatedaspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of makinga toy that includes providing a continuous loop, and shaping thecontinuous loop to present a first set of bent segments and a second setof bent segments. The first set of bent segments can be disposed towarda first end of the toy, and the second set of bent segments can bedisposed toward a second end of the toy. Each of the first set segmentscan be disposed between two second set segments, and each of the secondset segments can be disposed between two first set segments. The toy candefine any desired shape, such as a sphere, a spheroid, a prolatespheroid, an oblate spheroid, an ellipsoid, a toroid, and the like. Insome cases, the toy defines an interior space disposed between the firstand the second end. The toy may include a first link disposed toward thefirst end. The first link can be coupled with at least two of the firstset segments.

In still another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide amethod of using a toy. The method can include, for example, providing afirst set of bent segments and a second set of bent segments. The firstset of bent segments can be disposed toward a first end of the toy, andthe second set of bent segments can be disposed toward a second end ofthe toy. Each of the first set segments can be disposed between twosecond set segments, and each of the second set segments can be disposedbetween two first set segments. The method can also include elasticallydeflecting at least one segment of the first or second set of bentsegments.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be had to the ensuing detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a toy body according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a method making a toy body according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a portion of a toy segment according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C show a toy body in combination with an interior objectaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a method making a toy body according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a method making a toy body according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate portions of a toy body according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a toy body according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an inflatable toy according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a method of using a toy according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate a toy body according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a toy according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Toy body 100 provides a first end110, a second end 120, and a hollow interior 130. As seen here, toy body100 includes three curved loop segments 140 a, 140 b, and 140 c. Eachcurved loop segment has a curved end and an opposite end. For example,curved loop segment 140 a includes a curved end 142 a and an oppositeend 144 a. Each of the curved ends 142 a, 142 b, and 142 c meet at orare disposed at toy body first end 110. Each of the opposite ends 144 a,144 b, and 144 c meet at or are disposed at toy body second end 120. Insome embodiments, some or all of the curved ends 142 a, 142 b, and 142 cmay be coupled with each other, for example at or toward first end 110.In some embodiments, some or all of the opposite ends 144 a, 144 c, and144 c may be coupled with each other, for example at or toward secondend 120. In related embodiments, the curved loop segments 140 a, 140 b,and 140 c form a continuous loop. Toy body 100 may include a first link150 disposed toward first end 110. First link 150 may be coupled withsome or all of the curved ends 142 a, 142 b, and 142 c. Similarly, toybody 100 may include a second link 160 disposed toward second end 120.Second link 160 may be coupled with some or all of the opposite ends 144a, 144 b, and 144 c.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate related perspective views of a toy or toybody according to one embodiment of the present invention. Toy 200includes a first set 210 of three bent segments 210 a, 210 b, and 210 cand a second set 220 of three bent segments 220 a, 220 b, and 220 c.Typically, each of the bents segments includes a curved or angularportion. The first set 210 of bent segments is disposed toward a firstend 230 of toy 200, and the second set 220 of bent segments is disposedtoward a second end 240 of toy 200. In an alternating fashion, each ofthe first set segments 210 a, 210 b, and 210 c is disposed between tworespective second set segments, and each of the second set segments 220a, 220 b, and 220 c is disposed between two respective first setsegments. For example, first set segment 210 a is disposed betweensecond set segments 220 a and 220 b, first set segment 210 b is disposedbetween second set segments 220 b and 220 c, and first set segment 210 cis disposed between second set segments 220 c and 220 a. Likewise,second set segment 220 a is disposed between first set segments 210 cand 210 a, second set segment 220 b is disposed between first setsegments 210 a and 210 b, and second set segment 220 c is disposedbetween first set segments 210 b and 210 c. The first set 210 of bentsegments in combination with the second set 220 of bent segments canform a continuous loop. Toy 200 may define an interior space 250disposed between first end 210 and second ends 220. Toy 200 may alsoinclude a first link system 260 disposed toward first end 210 and asecond link system (not shown) disposed toward second end 220. Firstlink system 260 may be coupled with some or all of the first set bentsegments 210 a, 210 b, and 210 c. Similarly, second link system may becoupled with some or all of the second set bent segments 220 a, 220 b,and 220 c.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, first link system 260 includes three firstlink bars 260 a, 260 b, and 260 c. First link bar 260 a is disposedbetween first set segments 210 a and 210 b and coupled therewith, firstlink bar 260 b is disposed between first set segments 210 b and 210 cand coupled therewith, and first link bar 260 c is disposed betweenfirst set segments 210 c and 210 a and coupled therewith. Second linksystem (not shown) may provide a similar coupling arrangement for thesegments of the second set 220 at or toward second end 240. Link systemsmay include any of a variety of coupler shapes or configurations,including rings, spheres, cones, sprockets, webs, bars, and the like. Insome cases, toy 200 can be elastically or resiliently deformable.

To illustrate an exemplary method of making a toy according to someembodiments of the present invention, FIG. 3A provides an exploded viewof the disassembled toy, and FIG. 3B depicts an assembled toy. Toy 300is constructed of a first set 310 of bent segments and a second set ofbent segments 320. Optionally, toy 300 may include one or moreequatorial segments 330. As shown here, first set 310 of bent segments310 a and 310 b can be coupled with second set 320 of bent segments 320a and 320 b, for example by direct or indirect attachments. Inembodiments involving direct attachments, bent segment coupling 310 a′can be attached directly to bent segment coupling 320 a′, bent segmentcoupling 310 a″ can be attached directly to bent segment coupling 320b′, bent segment coupling 310 b′ can be attached directly to bentsegment coupling 320 a″, and bent segment coupling 310 b″ can beattached directly to bent segment coupling 320 b″. In embodimentsinvolving indirect attachments, bent segment coupling 310 a′ can beattached indirectly with bent segment coupling 320 a′ via equatorialsegments 330 a, 330 c; bent segment coupling 310 a″ can be attachedindirectly with bent segment coupling 320 b′ via equatorial segments 330b, 330 d; bent segment coupling 310 b′ can be attached indirectly withbent segment coupling 320 a″ via equatorial segments 330 e, 330 g; andbent segment coupling 310 b″ can be attached indirectly with bentsegment coupling 320 b″ via equatorial segments 330 f, 330 h.Embodiments of the present invention include devices or methodsinvolving any combination of direct or indirect attachments. Equatorialsegments can be continuous with and disposed between a first set bentsegment and a second set bent segment.

Toy 300 can be manufactured to dispose the first set 310 of bentsegments toward a first end 340 of toy 300 and the second set 320 ofbent segments toward a second end 350 of toy 300. Segment 310 a can bedisposed between segments 320 a and 320 b. Segment 320 a can be disposedbetween segments 310 a and 310 b. Segment 310 b can be disposed betweensegments 320 a and 320 b. Segment 320 b can be disposed between segments3110 a and 310 b. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, toy bodies can be made todefine an oblong shape. Embodiments of the present invention encompassany of a variety of toy body shapes, including spheres, spheroids,prolate spheroids, oblate spheroids, ellipsoids, toroids, and the like.

FIG. 4 shows a portion of a toy segment 400 according to one embodimentof the present invention. Toy segment 400 has a tubular portion that hasa circular cross-section 410. Relatedly, the present inventionencompasses toy segments having any of a variety cross-section shapes,such as ovals, squares, triangles, polygons, irregularly shapes, and thelike. Toy segments may be hollow, having an internal lumen, or they maybe solid in construction. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS.5A-5C, a toy 500 may include an object 550 disposed within or at leastpartially within an interior space 520 of a toy body 510. As seen inFIG. 5A, the overall shape or envelope provided by toy body 510 definesan interior space 520. Toy body 510 also includes a segment having anattachment feature 502 adapted to couple with an attachment feature 552of object 550. In this case, attachment feature 502 includes anaperture, and attachment feature 552 includes a pin. Object 550 alsoincludes a recess 554 shaped to receive the contour of toy body 510. Inthis case, object 550 is shaped or sufficiently sized so as to not slipout of the interior space when disposed therein. Object 550 is disposedpartially within toy body interior 520, and partially exterior to toybody interior 520.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate methods of making a toy according to embodimentsof the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a continuous loop 600. Asillustrated in FIG. 6B, a plurality of first directional shaping forces610 can be applied to loop 600 at a first set of locations 620, and aplurality of second directional forces 630 can be applied to loop at asecond set of locations 640. Here, locations 620 and 640 are inalternating arrangement along continuous loop 600. Eventually, as shownin FIG. 6C, continuous loop 600 can be shaped or molded into a toy thatincludes a first set 650 of bent segments and a second set 660 of bentsegments. First set 650 of bent segments correspond to locations 640,and second set 660 of bent segments correspond to locations 620. Thefirst set 650 of bent segments are disposed toward a first end of thetoy, and the second set 660 of bent segments are disposed toward asecond end of the toy. When tracing a path around the continuous loop600, first set 650 of bent segments and the second set 660 of bentsegments are in alternating arrangement. These bent segments are locatedone after the other, each succeeding the other in turn. Thus, thesequence of bent segments occurring along continuous loop 600 can becharacterized as follows: first set bent segment 650 a, second set bentsegment 660 a, first set bent segment 650 b, second set bent segment 660b, first set bent segment 650 c, second set bent segment 660 c. Each ofthe first set segments is disposed between two second set segments, andeach of the second set segments is disposed between two first setsegments. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, continuousloop 600 can be shaped or molded against or with a form 670, so as toachieve a desired shape. As depicted in this embodiment, the shape ofform 670 is spherical. In some embodiments, the shape of a form mayinclude a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, anellipsoid, a toroid, or any other suitable shape.

In some embodiments, a toy body may be manufactured by an injectionmolding process. As shown in FIG. 7A, a mold 700 can include a core 710,a first shell 720, and a second shell 730. Core 710 has a recess 712defining a portion of the toy body shape. Similarly, first shell 720 andsecond shell 730 each have a recess 722, 732, defining a respectiveportion of the toy body shape. Together recesses 712, 722, and 732provide an inverse of the desired toy body shape. Mold core 710, firstshell 720, and second shell 730 can be positioned or joined together, asshown in FIG. 7B, and a material such as a thermoplastic substance canbe injected via a port 740 into the cavity defined by recesses 712, 722,and 732, to form a toy body. FIG. 7C depicts the separation of firstshell 720 and second shell 730, such that the molded toy body 750resides on core 710. Toy body 750 can then be removed from core 710.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show interlocking portions of a toy according toembodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8A, toy body 810includes a first set of bent segments 820 a, 820 b, and 820 c disposedtoward a first end 820, and a second set of bent segments 830 a, 830 b,and 830 c disposed toward a second end 830. The first set bent segmentsand the second set bent segments are arranged in alternating fashion(e.g. 820 a, 830 a, 820 b, 830 b, 820 c, 830 c) along a continuous looppath defined by toy body 810. Each bent segment includes a couplingfeature adapted to couple with a corresponding or complementary couplingfeature of a link 850 shown in FIG. 8B. For example, bent segment 820 cincludes a coupling feature 821 c having a first pin recess 822 c, asecond pin recess 823 c, and a slot recess 824 c. Link 850 includes acorresponding coupling feature 851 c having a first pin 852 c, a secondpin 853 c, and a tab 854 c. Thus, toy body 810 is coupleable with link850 such that first pin recess 822 c receives first pin 852 c, secondpin recess 823 c receives second pin 853 c, and slot recess 824 creceives tab 854 c. In a similar fashion, bent segment 820 a can becoupled with coupling feature 851 a of link 850, and bent segment 820 bcan be coupled with coupling feature 851 b of link 850. Toy body secondend 830 can be coupled with a link in a like manner. Link 850 of FIG. 8Bcan be described as including three bars 860 i, 860 ii, and 860 iiijoined by a sprocket 870.

FIG. 9 illustrates a toy according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Toy 900 includes a first set 910 of three bent segments 910a, 910 b (not shown), and 910 c (not shown) and a second set 920 ofthree bent segments 920 a, 920 b, and 920 c. The first set 910 of bentsegments is disposed toward a first end 930 of toy 900, and the secondset 920 of bent segments is disposed toward a second end 940 of toy 900.In an alternating fashion, each of the first set segments 910 a, 910 b,and 910 c is disposed between two respective second set segments, andeach of the second set segments 920 a, 920 b, and 920 c is disposedbetween two respective first set segments. Toy 900 may also include afirst link system 955 disposed toward first end 910 and a second linksystem 960 disposed toward second end 920. Second link system 960 iscoupled with each of the second set bent segments 920 a, 920 b, and 920c. First link system 955 may be similarly configured. As depicted here,second link system 960 includes a ring shape. Toy 900 includes aplurality of equatorial segments or portions. For example, equatorialsegment 950 a is attached with and disposed between bent segment 920 cand bent segment 910 a, equatorial segment 950 a′ is attached with anddisposed between bent segment 910 a and bent segment 920 a, and so on.Equatorial segment 950 a includes two auxiliary equatorial segments 951a and 952 a. Auxiliary equatorial segments can be coupled with otherequatorial segments. For example, auxiliary equatorial segment 952 a iscoupled with equatorial segment 950 a′ via three equatorial links 960 i,960 ii, and 960 iii. Toy 900 may also include a first thread plate 970 adisposed between and coupled with auxiliary equatorial segment 951 a andequatorial segment 950 a, and a second thread plate 970 b disposedbetween equatorial segment 950 a and auxiliary equatorial segment 952 a.As shown here, toy 900 resembles an American football.

FIG. 10 illustrates a toy according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Toy 1000 resembles the toy shown in FIG. 9 in many respects.Toy 1000 includes a first link system 1055 having a cone shape. Toy 1000may also include a first thread plate 1070 a disposed between andcoupled with auxiliary equatorial segment 1052 a and equatorial segment1050 a′, and a second thread plate 1070 b disposed between equatorialsegment 1050 a′ and auxiliary equatorial segment 1053 a.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a top perspective view and a bottom perspectiveview, respectively, of a toy according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Toy 1100 includes a first toy body portion 1105 coupled witha second toy body portion 1105′. First toy body portion 1105 includes afirst set 1110 of four bent segments 1110 a, 1110 b, 1110 c, and 1110 dand a second set 1120 of four bent segments 1120 a, 1120 b, 1120 c, and1120 d. The first set 1110 of bent segments is disposed toward a firstend 1130 of toy 1100, and the second set 1120 of bent segments isdisposed toward a second end 1140 of toy 1100. In an alternatingfashion, each of the first set segments 1110 a, 1110 b, 1110 c, and 1110d is disposed between two respective second set segments, and each ofthe second set segments 1120 a, 1120 b, 220 c, and 1120 d is disposedbetween two respective first set segments (e.g. 1110 a, 1120 a, 1110 b,1120 b, 1110 c, 1120 c, 1110 d, 1120 d). Second toy body portion 1105′includes a first set 1110′ of two bent segments 1110 a′ and 110 b′ and asecond set 1120′ of two bent segments 1120 a′ and 1120 b′. The first set1110′ of bent segments is disposed toward a first end 1130 of toy 1100,and the second set 1120′ of bent segments is disposed toward a secondend 1140 of toy 1100. In an alternating fashion, each of the first setsegments 1110 a′ and 1110 b′ is disposed between two respective secondset segments, and each of the second set segments 1120 a′ and 1120 b′ isdisposed between two respective first set segments (e.g. 1110 a′, 1120a′, 1110 b′, 1120 b′).

First set segment 1110 a′ intersects first set segments 1110 c and 1110d, and first set segment 110 b′ intersects first set segments 1110 a and1110 b. Similarly, second set segment 1120 a′ intersects 1120 a and 1120d, and second set segment 1120 b′ intersects second set segments 1120 band 1120 c. A first end bar 1150 a can connect first end segment 1110 awith first end segment 1110 b. Similar bars may connect segments 1110 bwith 1110 c, 1110 c with 1110 d, and 1110 d with 1110 a. A second endbar 1160 a can connect second end segment 1120 a with second end segment1120 b. Similar bars may connect segments 1120 b with 1120 c, 1120 cwith 1120 d, and 1120 d with 1120 a. Relatedly, a first end bar 1150′can connect first end segment 1110 a′ with first end segment 1110 b′,and a second end bar 1160′ can connect second end segment 1120 a′ withsecond end segment 1120 b′. Toy 1100 may also include one or moreequatorial couplers 1170 attached with one or more segments of the toy.As shown here, toy 1100 includes a plurality of equatorial couplers thatdefine an equatorial loop traveling a circumferential path around thetoy. It is appreciated that according to embodiments of the presentinvention, a toy may include any desired number of toy body portions asdescribed above, and each toy body portion may include any number of aplurality of first set end segments and second set end segments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a toy or toy body according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Toy 1200 includes a first set 1210 of three bentsegments 1210 a, 1210 b, and 1210 c and a second set 1220 of three bentsegments 1220 a, 1220 b, and 1220 c. Each of the bents segments includesa curved portion. The first set 1210 of bent segments is disposed towarda first end 1230 of toy 1200, and the second set 1220 of bent segmentsis disposed toward a second end 1240 of toy 1200. In an alternatingfashion, each of the first set segments 1210 a, 1210 b, and 1210 c isdisposed between two respective second set segments, and each of thesecond set segments 1220 a, 1220 b, and 1220 c is disposed between tworespective first set segments. For example, first set segment 1210 a isdisposed between second set segments 1220 a and 1220 b, first setsegment 1210 b is disposed between second set segments 1220 b and 1220c, and first set segment 1210 c is disposed between second set segments1220 c and 1220 a. Likewise, second set segment 1220 a is disposedbetween first set segments 1210 c and 1210 a, second set segment 1220 bis disposed between first set segments 1210 a and 1210 b, and second setsegment 1220 c is disposed between first set segments 1210 b and 1210 c.The first set 1210 of bent segments in combination with the second set1220 of bent segments can form a continuous loop 1280, and continuousloop 1280 can include an inflated or inflatable lumen. As shown here,toy 1200 is buoyant and floats on the surface of a body of water. Toy1200 defines an interior space 1250 disposed between first end 1210 andsecond ends 1220. First set bent segment 1210 a is directly coupled withfirst set bent segments 1210 b and 1210 c. Second set bent segment 1220a is directly coupled with second set bent segments 1220 b and 1220 c.These couplings occur at or near the apex of each of the bent segments.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a method of using a toy according toembodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, a toyoperator 1300 can throw a toy 1310 toward a surface 1320. As toy 1310strikes surface 1320, the toy or portions thereof can elastically deformor deflect such that the toy subsequently bounces. FIG. 14 depicts anelastic deflection 1400 of segments of a toy 1410 as it contacts orcollides with surface 1420.

FIG. 15 illustrates a toy according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Toy 1500 includes a plurality of bent segments 1510. Each ofthe segments can include a first end 1520 and a second end 1530. Thefirst ends 1520 are disposed toward a first end 1540 of toy 1500, andthe second ends 1530 are disposed toward a second end 1550 of toy 1500.Toy 1500 also includes a first cap or link 1560 coupled with first ends1520, and a second cap or link 1570 coupled with second ends 1530. Bentsegments 1510 and caps 1560, 1570 can define an interior space 1580. Thesegments, caps, or both, can be made of a variety of materials,including thermoplastic rubber. The toy can define any desires shape,such as a sphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, anellipsoid, or a toroid.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate a toy according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Toy 1600 includes a plurality of first end bent segments 1610disposed toward a first end 1630 and a plurality of second end bentsegments 1620 disposed toward a second end 1635. First end segments 1610can include a first bent segment 1610 a, a second bent segment 1610 b,and a third bent segment 1610 c. Similarly, second end segments 1620 caninclude a first bent segment 1620 a, a second bent segment 1620 b, and athird bent segment 1620 c. First end bent segments and second end bentsegments can be coupled via a plurality of intermediate bent segments1640. For example, first bent segment 1610 a and first bent segment 1620a can be coupled via intermediate bent segments 1640 a′ and 1640 a″. Inthis embodiment, bent segments 1610 a, 1640 a′, 1640 a″, and 1620 a forma continuous loop. Similarly, second bent segment 1610 b and second bentsegment 1620 b can be coupled via intermediate bent segments 1640 b′ and1640 b″. In this embodiment, bent segments 1610 b, 1640 b′, 1640 b″, and1620 b form a continuous loop. Further, third bent segment 1610 c andthird bent segment 1620 c can be coupled via intermediate bent segments1640 c′ and 1640 c″. In this embodiment, bent segments 1610 c, 1640 c′,1640 c″, and 1620 c form a continuous loop. These three continuousloops, combined, form a spherical toy body. As shown in the top viewprovided by FIG. 16B, for example, first end bent segments 1610 a, 1610b, and 1610 c can be fused or bonded together, or can otherwise form anaggregate or unitary member. Similarly, second end bent segments 1620 a,1620 b, and 1620 c can be fused or bonded together, or can otherwiseform a single or aggregate member.

FIG. 17 illustrates a toy according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Toy 1700 includes a plurality of first end bent segments 1710disposed toward a first end 1630 and a plurality of second end bentsegments 1720 disposed toward a second end 1735. First end segments 1710can include a first bent segment 1710 a, a second bent segment 1710 b,and a third bent segment 1710 c. Similarly, second end segments 1720 caninclude a first bent segment 1720 a, a second bent segment 1720 b, and athird bent segment 1720 c. First end bent segments and second end bentsegments can be coupled via a plurality of intermediate bent segments1740. For example, first bent segment 1710 a can be coupled with secondbent segment 1720 a and third bent segment 1720 c via intermediate bentsegments 1740 aa and 1740 ac, respectively. Similarly, second bentsegment 1710 b can be coupled with first bent segment 1720 a and secondbent segment 1720 b via intermediate bent segments 1740 ba and 1740 bb,respectively. Further, third bent segment 1710 c can be coupled withsecond bent segment 1720 b and third bent segment 1720 c viaintermediate bent segments 1740 cb and 1740 cc, respectively. In thisembodiment, bent segments 1710 a, 1740 aa, 1720 a, 1740 ba, 1710 b, 1740bb, 1720 b, 1740 cb, 1710 c, 1740 cc, 1720 c, and 1740 ac form acontinuous loop, which in turn forms a spherical toy body. In a mannersimilar to that shown in FIG. 16B, first end bent segments 1710 a, 1710b, and 1710 c can be fused or bonded together, or can otherwise form anaggregate or unitary member. Similarly, second end bent segments 1720 a,1720 b, and 1720 c can be fused or bonded together, or can otherwiseform a single or aggregate member.

In some embodiments, one or more toy or toy body segments may be coupledwith or incorporate a writing instrument or other tool, or may include atherapeutic element or surface, as described in previously incorporatedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/152,020 filed Jun. 13, 2005. Forexample, a toy segment may include or be coupled with a ball point pen,retractable pen, pencil, colored pencil, charcoal pencil, mechanicalpencil, fountain pen, dip pen, quill pen, paint brush, gel pen, marker,highlighter, stylographs, crayon, and the like. Similarly, therapeuticelements may include resilient coatings, rotatable or slidable elementson the surface of the segments, heating or cooling of the segments,vibratable elements, encased gels or liquids, various textured surfaces,colors and/or lights, varying sizes, thicknesses and/or levels ofresilience, therapeutic magnets, surfaces that move up and down or inand out, various natural or synthetic materials, such as fabrics,leather, features, fibers, seeds, other plants and the like, scentedmaterials, herbs, flavored materials, sticky surfaces, raised or loweredimages (including brail), lotions, ointments, medicines, lubricants,sponges, porous materials, foams, rubbers, bendable tabs, extensions,spikes, clays or putty, electrical stimulation elements, and the like.Segments can also be configured as a holder for a writing instrumentbody. In some cases, the segments can be arranged so as to prop thewriting instrument body at an angle, disposed above the desk.Alternatively, the segments can be arranged so as to support the writinginstrument body in a horizontal position on the desk. In related cases,the segments will be easily removable or detachable so that if the userdoes not want the segments on the toy body, he or she can simply pullthem off or otherwise disconnect them. Toy segments can be fabricatedfrom or include any of a variety of desired materials, such as metals,polymers, and natural substances such as wood or bamboo. Segments may behollow, solid, porous, fibrous, and the like. Segments can include arubber coating, a rubber coating with raised nodules, a silicone gelcoating, a chemical composite coating, or a compressible rubber coating.In some cases, the segments can include or be coated with materials ofvarying hardness, including thermoplastic rubber, synthetic rubber, andthe like. Embodiments of the present invention encompass stress reliefdevices, performance balls, and pet toys. In some cases, embodimentsinclude baby toys for grasping and teething.

Although certain system, device, and method embodiments have beendisclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure tothose skilled in the art that variations, modifications, alternativeconstructions, and equivalents of such embodiments may be made withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore,the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of theinvention which is defined by the appended claims.

1. A toy body having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior,wherein the toy body comprises: a plurality of curved loop segments,each curved loop segment having a curved end and an opposite end,wherein the curved end of each loop segment meets at the first end ofthe toy body, and the opposite end of each loop meets at the second endof the toy body.
 2. A toy body as in claim 1, wherein at least twocurved ends are coupled together at the first end.
 3. A toy body as inclaim 1, wherein at least two opposite ends are coupled together at thesecond end.
 4. A toy body as in claim 1, wherein the plurality of curvedloop segments form a continuous loop.
 5. A toy, comprising: a first setof bent segments, and a second set of bent segments; wherein the firstset of bent segments are disposed toward a first end of the toy, thesecond set of bent segments are disposed toward a second end of the toy,each of the first set segments is disposed between two second setsegments, and each of the second set segments is disposed between twofirst set segments.
 6. A toy as in claim 5, wherein the first set ofbent segments in combination with the second set of bent segments form acontinuous loop.
 7. A toy as in claim 6, wherein the continuous loopcomprises an inflatable lumen.
 8. A toy as in claim 5, wherein the toydefines a shape selected from the group consisting of a sphere, aspheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, an ellipsoid, and atoroid.
 9. A toy as in claim 5, wherein the toy defines an interiorspace disposed between the first and the second end.
 10. A toy as inclaim 9, wherein the toy comprises an object at least partially disposedwithin the interior space.
 11. A toy as in claim 5, wherein at least oneof the first set or second set segments comprises a tubular segmenthaving a circular cross-section.
 12. A toy as in claim 5, furthercomprising a first link disposed toward the first end, wherein the firstlink is coupled with at least two of the first set segments.
 13. A toyas in claim 12, wherein the first link comprises a member selected fromthe group consisting of a ring, a sphere, a cone, a sprocket, a web, anda bar.
 14. A toy as in claim 5, further comprising an equatorial segmentcontinuous with and disposed between one of the first set bent segmentand one of the second set bent segments.
 15. A toy as in claim 5,wherein at least one of the first set of bent segments comprises acurved segment.
 16. A toy as in claim 5, wherein at least one of thefirst set of bent segments comprises an angular segment.
 17. A toy as inclaim 5, wherein the toy is elastic.
 18. A toy as in claim 5, whereinthe toy provides a stress relief device comprising sections of varyinghardness.
 19. A toy as in claim 5, wherein the toy provides a memberselected from the group consisting of a stress relief device, aperformance ball, a pet toy, and a baby toy.
 20. A method of making atoy, comprising: coupling a first set of bent segments with a second setof bent segments; wherein the first set of bent segments are disposedtoward a first end of the toy, the second set of bent segments aredisposed toward a second end of the toy, each of the first set segmentsis disposed between two second set segments, and each of the second setsegments is disposed between two first set segments.
 21. A method as inclaim 20, wherein the first set of bent segments in combination with thesecond set of bent segments form a continuous loop.
 22. A method as inclaim 20, wherein the toy defines a shape selected from the groupconsisting of a sphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblatespheroid, an ellipsoid, and a toroid.
 23. A method as in claim 20,wherein the toy defines an interior space disposed between the first andthe second end.
 24. A method as in claim 20, further comprising a firstlink disposed toward the first end, wherein the first link is coupledwith at least two of the first set segments.
 25. A method of making atoy, comprising: providing a continuous loop; and shaping the continuousloop to present a first set of bent segments and a second set of bentsegments; wherein the first set of bent segments are disposed toward afirst end of the toy, the second set of bent segments are disposedtoward a second end of the toy, each of the first set segments isdisposed between two second set segments, and each of the second setsegments is disposed between two first set segments.
 26. A method as inclaim 25, wherein the toy defines a shape selected from the groupconsisting of a sphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblatespheroid, an ellipsoid, and a toroid.
 27. A method as in claim 25,wherein the toy defines an interior space disposed between the first andthe second end.
 28. A method as in claim 25, further comprising a firstlink disposed toward the first end, wherein the first link is coupledwith at least two of the first set segments.
 29. A method of using atoy, comprising: providing a first set of bent segments and a second setof bent segments, wherein the first set of bent segments are disposedtoward a first end of the toy, the second set of bent segments aredisposed toward a second end of the toy, each of the first set segmentsis disposed between two second set segments, and each of the second setsegments is disposed between two first set segments; and elasticallydeflecting at least one segment of the first or second set of bentsegments.